The Black Monks of Mississippi are an order of musicians and singers who temporarily submit themselves to ideals of musical restraint and semi-strict adherence to the blues form, which Theaster Gates believes to be the most important root in the American musical tradition. The Black Monks strive to be holy, restrained, orderly, and disciplined, but they fall short. What they achieve instead is a very human response to displaced spiritual ecstasy, particularly in the flavor of the Black Church.

This event is one in a series of “monastic residencies” organized by 2010 artist Theaster Gates, who will collaborate with academics, artists, and street musicians in the Museum’s Sculpture Court throughout the duration of the Biennial.